Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez

Hotel Sezz is one of the most popular luxury hotels on Saint-Tropez. The hotel, built in 2010, has a distinctly Mediterranean exterior, with a stucco-and-stone facade and terra-cotta roof. Inside, the hotel features high-end minimalistic, modern decor and makes use of simple but unusual designer pieces including two semicircle, high-backed white couches in the lobby. Stone floors are paired with neutral walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light. Most areas are fresh white with a sophisticated beachy feel, but the Dom Perignon bar takes a turn towards the dark with a chic black bar and stools. Outdoor spaces are the standout common areas here, with manicured gardens, a spa area that's largely outside, a pristine pool and patio with a bar and dining, and private terraces with each room. With exceptional service and high-end amenities, this is a hotspot for leisure travelers who can afford the high price tag.

Hotel Sezz is situated on a quiet, narrow road occupied by private houses and vineyards, about a five-minute drive from the center of St. Tropez and about a 15-minute drive from the popular Pampelonne beaches. The hotel offers convenient, free shuttle service to both locations. There's also a public beach near the hotel itself, about a five-minute walk. The closest airport is La Mole International Airport, about a half-hour drive from the hotel. Toulon-Hyeres International Airport is about an hour's drive, while getting to Nice-Cote d'Azur International Airport takes about an hour and a half. 

Rooms range from entry-level Bungalows (323 square feet/98 square meters) up to enormous Villas (969 square feet/295 square meters). All units are luxurious and feature minimalistic, modern decor. They get lots of natural light from floor-to-ceiling French windows/doors and have private patios. Floors are gray stone, and walls are white or gray, offset by wood accent walls, and modern molded or wire-mesh furniture designed by Christophe Pillet. Some rooms feature chic curved ceilings. All rooms are air-conditioned and have desks, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and CD/DVD players, iPod docks, and generously stocked minibars. Some of the higher-category rooms add features such as plunge pools, Nespresso coffeemakers, and outdoor dining areas. Luxurious, roomy bathrooms feature gray tiling and chic, rectangular Boffi sinks; tubs or walk-in, rainfall showers; and doors that lead to private outdoor cascade showers. Bathrobes, flip-flops, and Acqua Di Parma toiletries are provided.

Despite its smaller size, the hotel has nearly all of the services and amenities guests would expect from an upscale property. The property has a huge, beautiful outdoor heated swimming pool surrounded by a patio with palm trees, tables with umbrellas, and large lounge chairs. A full-service spa includes a roomy indoor spa tub that looks out into the garden, a steam room, and treatment rooms, plus an outdoor massage space. There's no real gym, but a modern treadmill and elliptical are situated under a canopied structure in the garden. 

Guests are given a welcome drink upon arrival at the hotel's poolside bar. The hotel also has a chic Dom Perignon Champagne bar and Colette Restaurant, which is open to the public and offers poolside alfresco dining and French and Mediterranean cuisine, including meats cooked on a wood-fire grill. A DJ plays at the pool on weekends (or daily at the peak of summer). There is also a well-received breakfast buffet, but it costs extra, and room service is available 24 hours a day. 

There's also a 24-hour front desk, a concierge, and valet service. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the center of town and beach -- some guests say this feels more like a private chauffeur than a standard hotel shuttle, but the hotel can also provide limo service. Loaner bikes are also available. Valet parking is free, and pets are allowed for no extra fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.